SMC: Sibu traders must get permits for Qing Ming flower sales, roadside stalls banned

SIBU (March 27): Traders intending to sell flowers for the upcoming Qing Ming Festival are required to obtain permits from Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and operate only at designated locations.

SMC General Purpose and Community Services Standing Committee chairman Councillor Augustine Merikan stressed that roadside trading is strictly prohibited in the interest of public safety.

He said the committee has approved several temporary sites for flower sales: parking spaces in front of One Stop Superstore at Lorong Sungai Merah 2C; the open area next to the bus stop in front of Hosanna Kindergarten at Jalan Teng Chin Hua; parking spaces in front of Tyre Plus Car Service at Lorong Ulu Sungai Merah 1; and the open parking area at Jun Rong.

“Traders must apply for permits and operate only at the designated locations,” he said when contacted on Thursday regarding makeshift roadside stalls.

Applications can be made during office hours at the SMC office on Level 20, Wisma Sanyan, and are subject to terms and conditions.

Augustine said only a number of applications have been received so far, and applicants will be notified by SMC staff soon.

This year’s Qing Ming Festival falls on April 5, coinciding with Easter Sunday.